Suwon

A popular day trip out of Seoul, sprawling Suwon (수원) is the largest city in Gyeonggi-do province, with World Heritage–listed fortifications still looping around its heart. Suwon almost became the country's capital in the 18th century, when Joseon dynasty ruler King Jeongjo built the 3.5-mile-long walls (5.7km) in 1794–96 ahead of moving the royal court south. However, the king died, power remained in Seoul, and Suwon ended up with one hell of a tourist sight. The city is located around 18.5 miles (30km) south of Seoul.

Explore Suwon

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Suwon.

  • Sights

  • Fortress

    Hwaseong

    The World Heritage–listed fortress wall that encloses the original town of Suwon is what brings most travellers to the city. Snaking up and down Paldal-san (143m), the fortification wall stretches a scenic 5.7km past four majestic gates, command posts, pavilions, observation towers and fire-beacon platforms. Built by King Jeongjo and completed in 1796, it was constructed of earth and faced with large stone blocks and grey bricks, nearly all of which have been restored.

  • Cultural Centre

    Korean Folk Village

    This 245-acre themed experience is designed to transport you back to the Joseon dynasty as you wander through picturesque grounds filled with thatched and tiled buildings relocated here from around Korea. Performers wearing hanbok (traditional clothing) craft pots and handmake paper, while others tend to vegetable plots and livestock. Throughout the day there are shows by traditional musicians, dancers, acrobats and tightrope walkers, and you can watch a staged wedding ceremony.

  • Museum

    Mr Toilet House

    A contender for Korea's wackiest museum, Mr Toilet House is the former residence of Suwon's mayor, the late Sim Jae-duck. Appropriately designed like a toilet, it houses hilarious poo-related exhibits and a sculpture garden, as well as covering more serious sanitation issues – the museum is also an NGO established to improve public sanitation worldwide. Kids especially will love it, and there's a children's museum across the road with an observatory deck for viewing the toilet house.

  • Gallery

    Nam June Paik Art Centre

    This gallery features the pioneering new-media work of internationally acclaimed avant-garde artist Nam June Paik (1932–2006). It's not far from Korean Folk Village.

  • Palace

    Hwaseong Haenggung

    Sitting at the base of Paldal-san (143m), King Jeongjo’s palace was built in the late 18th century as a residence for when he visited to worship at his father's tomb. The palace was mostly destroyed during the Japanese colonial period and has been meticulously reconstructed. From March to November, various traditional performances are held at the plaza in front of the palace, including a changing-of-the-guard ceremony (2pm Sunday) and martial-arts display (11am Tuesday to Sunday).

  • Museum

    Suwon Hwaseong Museum

    Head to this modern museum to find out how detailed court records from 1801 were vital to ensure authenticity in the 1970s reconstruction process of Suwon Hwaseong.

  • Museum

    Gyeonggi Provincial Museum

    This well-curated museum features cultural relics from around the province. A stop here is worth tacking on if you're visiting the Nam June Paik Art Centre.

  • Arts Centre

    IPark Museum of Art

    This contemporary-styled museum on the plaza in front of Hwaseong Haenggung hosts a variety of art-related exhibitions across its five galleries.

  • Gallery

    Alternative Art Space Noon

    This vibrant little gallery exhibits local artists in a converted '70s home within Haenggung-dong Mural Village.

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Suwon.

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